POLICE and fire services will join forces for a female recruitment event this month.

For the first time, Durham Constabulary and Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade are organising a joint surgery to recruit more women.

Only one in five of Durham Constabulary's 1,616 officers are women, while the fire brigade has just ten female firefighters.

Inspector Elaine Taylor, police recruiting officer, said the joint event, at Durham police headquarters, on Sunday, April 28, was a logical step.

"Across County Durham and Darlington the police and the fire service are working ever closer together in a search for solutions to common problems," she said.

"Teaming up to open the surgery is a natural progression in that partnership approach."

The event invites women to talk face-to-face with female staff and learn details of entry requirements, the assessment process, fitness demands and family- friendly policies.

Fire brigade personnel manager Allison Abbott said more needed to be done to boost its women recruitment figures.

"We recognise and value the contribution made to the service by people from all sections of society and the benefits gained from having a workforce that reflects the community it serves," she said.

"We are currently running various positive action events for different under-represented groups to offer them the chance to learn more about a career with us.

"We are optimistic this will assist in creating a more diverse workforce."

To book a place at the surgery, call 0191-386 4929, extension 2332.